చుక్కెదురు
chukkeduru
Facing the star
This expression is used to describe a situation where one encounters a complete setback, total failure, or an unfavorable outcome. Historically, it refers to an astrological belief where traveling in a direction facing a specific star (Sukra/Venus) was considered an ill omen. In modern usage, it signifies facing strong opposition or a disappointing refusal.
Related Phrases
ముక్కెడి ముక్కకు తక్కెడు బంగారం
mukkedi mukkaku takkedu bangaram
A balance-scale full of gold for a tiny piece of nose.
This expression is used to describe a situation where the cost or effort of a repair or maintenance far exceeds the value of the original object itself. It refers to spending excessively on something small or trivial.
ముక్కేదిరా అంటే తలచుట్టూ చేయి తిప్పి చూపించినట్లు.
mukkedira ante talachuttu cheyi tippi chupinchinatlu.
When asked where the nose is, showing it by wrapping the hand around the head.
This proverb is used to describe a person who takes a long, complicated, or circuitous route to do something that could be done very simply and directly. It highlights unnecessary complexity and inefficiency in communication or action.
ముందే ముక్కు పొట్టి, ఆపై పడిశం
munde mukku potti, apai padisham
The nose is already short, and on top of that, a cold (sinus/congestion).
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is already facing a disadvantage or a problem encounters an additional trouble that makes the situation even worse. It is similar to the English expression 'Adding insult to injury' or 'When it rains, it pours'.
తురకలు కొట్టగా చుక్కకెదురా
turakalu kottaga chukkakedura
When a Mussulman raid is expected is one [ afraid of ] facing Venus ? Are omens observed in times of danger ? Necessity has no law. (Latin.)
This proverb emphasizes that in times of extreme emergency or life-threatening situations, one should not worry about superstitions, astrology, or formal rituals. It suggests that survival and immediate action take priority over traditional constraints or waiting for a 'lucky' time.
ఎదురుపెట్టి కుదురుకొట్టించుకున్నట్లు
edurupetti kudurukottinchukunnatlu
Like paying someone to come and strike your own support base.
This expression describes a situation where someone unintentionally invites trouble or pays for their own downfall. It refers to a person hiring or helping someone, only to have that person harm them or destroy their stability. It is similar to the English phrase 'digging one's own grave' or 'inviting trouble with open arms'.
బుక్కెడు తిన్నమ్మ బూరుగు మ్రాను, చేరెడు తిన్నమ్మ చెక్కపేడు
bukkedu tinnamma burugu mranu, cheredu tinnamma chekkapedu
She who ate a mouthful is like a silk cotton tree trunk; she who ate a handful is like a thin sliver of wood.
This proverb is a sarcastic comment on how people's physical appearance often contradicts their claims about their food intake. It describes a situation where someone who claims to eat very little (a mouthful) is actually quite heavy or large, while someone who claims to eat more (a handful) remains very thin. It is used to mock hypocrisy or hidden habits regarding consumption.
తురక కొట్టవస్తే చుక్కెదురని కదలకుంటారా?
turaka kottavaste chukkedurani kadalakuntara?
If a Turk comes to attack, would one remain still just because the stars are unfavorable?
This proverb is used to emphasize that when facing an immediate, life-threatening danger or urgent crisis, one should not worry about superstitions, omens, or astrological timings (like 'Chukkeduru'). It highlights that survival and action take precedence over ritualistic beliefs.
మంత్రం లేని తీర్థం మరి బుక్కెడు.
mantram leni tirtham mari bukkedu.
If there is no mantra, give me another mouthful of holy water.
This expression is used to mock someone who ignores the spiritual or qualitative essence of an activity and instead focuses solely on the material quantity or physical greed. It satirizes people who prioritize substance over significance, or who take advantage of a lack of formal rules to indulge themselves.
గడ్డగడ్డకు గ్రుక్కెడు నీళ్ళు తాగినా, రెడ్డే వ్యవసాయం చెయ్యాల
gaddagaddaku grukkedu nillu tagina, redde vyavasayam cheyyala
Even if one drinks a mouthful of water at every lump of earth, only a Reddi (farmer) should do the farming.
This proverb highlights that agriculture is an extremely grueling and laborious task that requires immense patience, physical stamina, and hereditary skill. It suggests that despite the hardships and thirst involved in tilling the soil, only those traditionally dedicated to the craft can truly succeed at it.
మీను మ్రింగిన గ్రుక్కెడుతో మున్నీటికి కొరత ఏర్పడుతుందా?
minu mringina grukkeduto munnitiki korata erpadutunda?
Will the ocean face a shortage just because a fish swallowed a gulp of water?
This expression is used to describe a situation where a small loss or a minor consumption does not affect a vast resource or a wealthy person. It signifies that the actions of an insignificant individual cannot diminish the greatness or abundance of something immense. It is often used to dismiss petty thefts or minor expenses in the context of large organizations or very rich individuals.